Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
South Africa vs Sri Lanka 4th ODI Preview Dream11. SA vs SL 4th ODI Preview Dream11 Prediction
Predictably, yet disappointingly, the series has been decided with two matches to play. We can be cheeky and say the dead-rubber specialists are in action, but the lack of contest shows the significant difference between the two sides.
And it is not only due to the conditions. South Africa were in the same position in Sri Lanka last year, winning the first three ODIs of that series. Here, they have been far too good, enjoying easy victories in all three games. That they haven’t been at their best for parts of it shows not only the gulf between the sides, but also the need for South Africa to put more consistent performances together ahead of the World Cup.
In the meantime, I’ll explain the concept of dead-rubber specialists. Sri Lanka’s last three ODI wins have been in dead-rubber matches, including two against South Africa. They have not won a live ODI since January last year, and have lost six in a row in 2019. However, dead-rubbers can be said to not exist in a World Cup year, with the chance for Sri Lanka to build some confidence. Can they pick up a victory in Port Elizabeth?
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Key to a South Africa win
Faf du Plessis has sent the message to his team. “Doing OK is not good enough”. Referring to the batting, skipper du Plessis has recognised South Africa’s need for greater consistency. A collapse in Centurion was followed by a very strong showing in Durban. The key in those matches, and here, will be the in-form Quinton de Kock. He has been superb at the top, and in conjunction with du Plessis, South Africa can set a strong platform. Aiden Markram and JP Duminy return to the squad, so South Africa possess plenty of experience in the top and middle order to cause more problems for Sri Lanka. In particular, can David Miller play with more fluency, after more strong work from the top order?
However, while South Africa’s batting has been slightly up-and-down, their bowling hasn’t. They have dominated Sri Lanka right throughout this series, forcing loose strokeplay from the Lankans to try release the pressure. This game is one where Kagiso Rabada might get a rest, so Dale Steyn will be key at the top along with Lungi Ngidi in delivering powerplay wickets. Andile Phehlukwayo will be keen to put a couple of good performances together, as the all-rounder position is up for grabs. With Port Elizabeth a track that could aid South Africa’s spin, a strong start from the seamers might be too much for Sri Lanka to come back from.
Key to a Sri Lanka win
When the screws have come loose, the wheels have completely fallen off. Shaky moments have turned into very bad periods of play for Sri Lanka in this series. In Port Elizabeth, they need to move away from relying on individual brilliance; but rather, put together a cohesive effort.
This starts with their batting. They have lost wickets far too regularly this series, failing to find a balance between strike rotation and boundary hitting. It has been dot, boundary or out at times this series, which is a big no-no in international batting. With Kusal Perera out injured, Sri Lanka desperately need the likes of Nirohan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis to lay a platform for the middle order to have something to play with.
Also, can Sri Lanka see the back of Quinton de Kock early? He has been their main nemesis this series, with the Proteas collapsing in Centurion and then risking not getting the total they were on track to get in Durban. The early wicket of de Kock places onus on the in-form Faf du Plessis, as well as other players who have been up-and-down of late, to set the innings up. Can Sri Lanka force a few mistakes, and get into the middle order in the middle overs? Will it be Lasith Malinga’s day? Or a fellow seamer? What about Akila Dananjaya? Who will step up?
The answer? All bowlers. Sri Lanka can’t rely on one or two bowlers bowling well, with the others under par. It has to be a team effort.
Possible Playing 11
Hashim Amla was originally brought back into the South African squad for the last two games. However, he has been released on compassionate grounds, with Reeza Hendricks flown to Port Elizabeth. Hendricks has had a poor series to date, and it remains to be seen whether he gets an opportunity, given Aiden Markram is back in the squad. JP Duminy could come in for Dwaine Pretorius, and Dale Steyn for Kagiso Rabada.
South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Aiden Markram, 3. Faf du Plessis (c), 4. Rassie van der Dussen, 5. JP Duminy, 6. David Miller, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo, 8. Dale Steyn, 9. Lungi Ngidi, 10. Imran Tahir, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi
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For Sri Lanka, Kusal Perera is out with a hamstring injury. It remains to be seen whether Sri Lanka try unused players in the squad, such as Angelo Perera, Priyamal Perera and Lakshan Sandakan.
Sri Lanka: 1. Avishka Fernando, 2. Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 3. Oshada Fernando, 4. Kusal Mendis, 5. Dhananjaya de Silva, 6. Thisara Perera, 7. Kamindu Mendis, 8. Isuru Udana, 9. Akila Dananjaya, 10. Kasun Rajitha, 11. Lasith Malinga (c)
Dream11 Prediction
Key stats and points:
- The weather in Port Elizabeth is set to be clear on Wednesday. The pitch at St George’s Park is usually easy-paced.
- Quinton de Kock has been in terrific touch. He averages just 30 in four matches at St George’s Park, but he is hard to ignore with his recent form.
- Aiden Markram’s last three scores for Titans in List A Cricket: 169, 139, 85.
- Faf du Plessis has two fifties in six innings at Port Elizabeth (avg. 37.20). David Miller has 243 runs in three innings (131.50). JP Duminy averages 40 at the ground, and is coming off two straight fifties in List A Cricket. Worth a look.
- Oshada Fernando and Kusal Mendis have looked most likely for Sri Lanka this series. Mendis has scores of 60, 24, 41.
- Thisara Perera has been a disappointment for Sri Lanka this series, but his points potential is significant.
- Lasith Malinga remains Sri Lanka’s biggest threat. Akila Dananjaya is also worth a look in given the Port Elizabeth conditions.
- Dale Steyn has 12 wickets at 18 at St George’s Park. Imran Tahir has 31 wickets at 14.93 vs Sri Lanka.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Stats and Facts
- South Africa have lost their past two ODIs in Port Elizabeth. This includes a five-wicket loss vs Pakistan earlier this year.
- Sri Lanka have not won a live ODI since January last year.
- South Africa also led 3-0 in the ODI series in Sri Lanka in July/August 2018.
Match Prediction
The pressure of a live series seems to be too much for Sri Lanka. However, I expect this match to be too much as well, with South Africa to win.
Thanks for reading!
South Africa vs Sri Lanka 4th ODI Preview Dream11. SA vs SL 4th ODI Preview Dream11 Prediction
